EPD organises lunar year-end recycling campaign for used computers and home appliances (with photos)
*********************************************************

     To encourage reducing and recycling waste, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has organised a lunar year-end recycling campaign entitled "Recycle to Clean, Making New Year Green" to help housing estates transfer used computers and home appliances to recycling schemes supported by EPD.

     Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, said today (January 27): "Households may dispose of a lot of used computers and home appliances in their lunar-year end sweep. EPD will arrange free transport services to transfer recyclables from registered housing estates to three recycling schemes supported by EPD."

     The three schemes are St James' Settlement's "WEEE GO Green", "Computer Recycling Programme" run by the computer trade and the "Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme" managed by the mobile phone and battery trade.

     This year's lunar year-end recycling campaign has received an enthusiastic response and 300 housing estates are registered so far. The EPD has also provided posters to registered housing estates to promote the campaign.

     "The EPD has already collected around 1,800 used computers and home appliances from 78 housing estates. We will continue to provide a free transport service for the remaining estates as the campaign reaches the final week of activities," Mr Yau said.

     Housing estates that are unable to join this campaign can still contact the above recycling schemes direct to arrange a collection service. Enquiries can be made by calling 2838 3111.

     "Collected used home appliances will be sent to the newly-opened 'WEEE Go Green' centre at EcoPark in Tuen Mun. The centre is run by St James' Settlement and funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund. Reusable home appliances will be refurbished and delivered to families in need. The centre will also provide a recycling service for used home appliances beyond repair," he added.

     The "Computer Recycling Programme", run by the computer industry will refurbish reusable computers for the needy through Hong Kong Caritas, while irreparable computers will be dismantled by designated recyclers to recover useful components and materials for recycling. Used batteries will be categorised and sent to overseas facilities for recycling.

     More information on the lunar year-end recycling campaign for used computers and home appliances is available at the EPD website (www.wastereduction.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, January 27, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:01

NNNN